Reliable used ute/RV/SUV - rebuild/ DIY maintenance

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furdus

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#254307 6-Aug-2019 09:46

Hi there,

I'm looking to get a 4WD ute or SUV, hopefully that is already running but willing to consider minor rebuild to begin with.

What are the best manufacturers and models to look at if I want to

* learn to work on the vehicle myself which means lots of resources available such as youtube, forums

* readily available and relatively cheap parts

* readily available whole broken vehicles for parts

My current thinking is something like a Toyota Hilux or Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan something. So far I haven't found an NZ specific car or mechanics forum so I came here to ask. Any pointers to owners forums and so on welcomed.

Cheers.

geoffwnz

1587 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#2291370 7-Aug-2019 08:40

For readily available parts etc, go for the most common ones.

Go visit or call the local wreckers and see what they have in stock.

MotorDrive Rallying

stmoloud

28 posts

Geek
Inactive user

#2291513 7-Aug-2019 10:45

Hilux is good. There's a reason why they sell for a premium. I've got a 30 year old, 2 wheel drive. Under 300k on the clock, no mechanical issues. Could probable get $3 - 4000 if so inclined to sell. Is slow but ideal for diy maintenance.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2291585 7-Aug-2019 12:14

You can't really go past a Hilux for reliability. I have a tidy 96 2wd with 350k and is still going mint. Probably still worth 5k or so. Parts cheap and easily accessible.

Downside is you pay a premium for them, even a festy old one.

phrozenpenguin

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2292627 8-Aug-2019 22:14

Jeep Cherokee XJ.

There is a wealth of information online - they made (pretty much) the same model from 1987 - 2001, heaps of space to work in the engine bay, lots of modifications you can do if so inclined, bombproof engine (4.0L straight six). As it isn't a Toyota some people won't look at them, but then you also don't pay the premium for them. There are enough around in NZ to pickup bits, or you can get things shipped from overseas which I have done for some mods and smaller bits. Youtube and forums a plenty; everything I have looked at has a how to video or detailed forum threads.

Mine has over 300k on the clock and is still going strong.

furdus

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2293422 10-Aug-2019 09:56

stmoloud:

Hilux is good. There's a reason why they sell for a premium. I've got a 30 year old, 2 wheel drive. Under 300k on the clock, no mechanical issues. Could probable get $3 - 4000 if so inclined to sell. Is slow but ideal for diy maintenance.

wratterus:

You can't really go past a Hilux for reliability. I have a tidy 96 2wd with 350k and is still going mint. Probably still worth 5k or so. Parts cheap and easily accessible.

Downside is you pay a premium for them, even a festy old one.

Yeah so I noticed about the premium and have seen vehicles with 300-400k on the clock. From some not very deep knowledge, I thought that with the diesels you're probably OK at those kind of mileages but maybe not the petrol? Thinking about it some more is it more of a case-by-case thing and much more related to how it's been maintained over time? Are there particular things to look out for on old Hilux?

Cheers.

furdus

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2293423 10-Aug-2019 09:57

phrozenpenguin:

Jeep Cherokee XJ.

There is a wealth of information online - they made (pretty much) the same model from 1987 - 2001, heaps of space to work in the engine bay, lots of modifications you can do if so inclined, bombproof engine (4.0L straight six). As it isn't a Toyota some people won't look at them, but then you also don't pay the premium for them. There are enough around in NZ to pickup bits, or you can get things shipped from overseas which I have done for some mods and smaller bits. Youtube and forums a plenty; everything I have looked at has a how to video or detailed forum threads.

Mine has over 300k on the clock and is still going strong.

Great - I'll investigate some more. Exactly the sort of info/tip I was after.

Cheers.

stmoloud

28 posts

Geek
Inactive user

#2293683 10-Aug-2019 18:22

furdus:

Are there particular things to look out for on old Hilux?

Cheers.

I'm getting a pre-check WOF on mine Wednesday after 3 years on a farm used quite regular but mostly only in the summer months.

Will keep you informed.